Just so you know why I'm obsessing over this... Last night my wife did forbid me to wear anything but sandals with my linen shirt and khakis, because according to her, shoes don't go with summer linen shirts. I was forced to wear my Tevas which I hate, because I have no Birks right now or other choice in the sandal area. I asked her what other alteratives she thinks work, and she replied, "Sperrys or another lightweight loafer type shoe that you can wear without socks."
SO there you go. If I had my Sperrys, I could have sat in the restaurant without my toes exposed.
She won't go out in public with me if I'm wearing my Converse oxfords, so I'm not sure, as far as a social shoe, that the Purcells or Flyers are going to cut it. I think I'm going to have to take one for the team on this one and opt for a pair of Sperrys for such contingencies. Then I'll get the Purcells or Flyers for less spousal-dicated occasions.
For our further edification, one fashion columnist's advice on summer shoes:
http://www.mensflair.com/page/7/